Counting on Starlight Read Free Page A

some more sweet tea? I’m almost out.”
    “No, I’m good.” If it wasn’t because of Dad’s health problems, Mom and Dad would still be here in Starlight. The idea of watching over his sister for her last three years of high school when his parents moved to Colorado last year had been easy to agree to. Maddie was smart, a good kid, generally listened to him and Billy, and they kept in touch with their parents via weekly Skype meetings. Ever since his younger brother Billy had married Justine Campbell in June, they’d been busy setting up house, working on the new buildings for the soldiers’ retreat on the Tucker farm, and well, being newlyweds.
    Jake didn’t mind keeping an eye on Maddie. She didn’t even turn the other way when they saw each other in the halls, and she wore her brother’s football coach status as her own badge of honor.
    Maddie returned with a plastic pitcher and poured herself a fresh glass of tea. “Today was the last day to make schedule changes before school starts, so I did.”
    “Ah, I see. You talked to Mom and Dad, I assume?”
    “Yup. They said it was fine, once I explained.”
    “Well, we’re going to start the new practice schedule soon. You ready?”
    “Um, here’s the thing.... I’m not going to be a trainer anymore.” Maddie straightened her posture. “I changed my schedule, like I said.”
    “What are you talking about?” Jake shook his head. “You’ve got a great resumé built up. If you’re going to UT for pre-med it’ll look good that you’ve got four years as trainer.”
    Maddie shrugged. “I don’t think want to do pre-med anymore. That’s a lot of school. I know I’m a junior, but I’ve made my mind up.”
    “You sure you talked to Mom and Dad?” Unbelievable. All she’d talked about since junior high was one day becoming a physician. She wanted to treat families and open a practice here in Starlight after she finished her residency.
    “Yes. They said it was fine. I don’t see why this is a big deal.” She took a sip of her tea.
    Of course she didn’t. She was sixteen and was already an expert on life. Jake frowned. “So what are you planning to do now?”
    “I dunno. I decided to take home ec, for one thing. I like cooking, a lot. And I need another PE credit, so I signed up for color guard since they had plenty of room in that class.” Now her shoulders drooped. “You’re mad.”
    “No, I’m not mad.” Jake paused a moment. Teenagers’ emotions flared up one moment then deflated the next. He needed to choose his words carefully. “I’m shocked, for one thing, that you didn’t tell me sooner. And I’m disappointed. I really enjoyed having you along with the team when we traveled.”
    “That’s why I didn’t say anything.” Maddie sighed. “I knew you’d be upset. I didn’t do it to hurt your feelings. I’m real proud that you’re my brother, but I wanted to do something...different.”
    “I’ll say. Color guard is miles away from being a trainer.” Plus, he didn’t dare add that Maddie had the coordination of a rhinoceros trying to roller skate. “Now, cooking. That I can see you excelling in.”
    She nodded. “I can’t wait. Plus, I signed up for the dual credit option with the college, the intro to culinary arts course. Dad faxed the permission slip to the counselor.”
    Wow. They’d been cooking this one up for some time—no pun intended—and he’d missed it. “I guess you’ve got it all figured out.”
    “Yup.” Maddie grinned as she scooped up a bite of mashed potatoes with her fork. “Thanks for understanding, Jake. You’re the best.”
    “Please, Maddie. I know I’m not our dad, but if you’re ever having a hard time making a decision, come talk to me. That’s what I’m here for.” He wondered how long she would last in color guard. The marching band worked just as hard at their drills as the football team did, with mirroring the all-day practice schedules during the first week of August. Mom